If you have driven past the Natchitoches Parish Library (NPL) lately, you probably noticed a new “shine” about the place. After years of patches on leaks, the NPL sought quotes for replacement of the flat roof in 2019 after determining it had reached its estimated end-of-life. During that process, several of the contractors noticed severe hail damage to the copper surrounding the building and suggested the library make an insurance claim for the damages. This damage meant that even with the flat roof fixed leaks would still be very likely. Although the library will have to pay for the expected flat roof maintenance replacement, the NPL will also be able to have the copper replaced at no extra cost using money from their insurance claim.

The NPL Board of Control voted to declare the old copper roofing surplus, meaning it was given to the parish, who will resell it as scrap metal. This money can then be put into the general fund or the highway department fund at the Parish Council’s vote.

Although the roof replacement is ongoing, and the NPL reopened to the public on May 26 with limited capacity, work is not expected to interfere with patrons’ access. Visitors are asked to enter from the Touline St. entrance to the parking lot for their convenience and to use the first-floor entrance only during this time.